The ideal actor to portray Lex Luthor in Superman: Legacy is a subject of intense discussion among DCU enthusiasts. However, there is one candidate who has already proven to be the perfect choice in the highly acclaimed TV show of 2023. With James Gunn and Peter Safran taking the helm of the DCU, significant changes are expected for the franchise, including new castings for iconic characters like Superman and his adversaries. This new direction will have a profound impact on the future of the DCU, as Superman holds great importance in both comics and live-action adaptations.
These changes also mean that a new actor must be chosen to portray Lex Luthor, Superman's archenemy. This is no easy task, considering that Luthor is a fundamental character in the world of DC villains. While James Gunn has praised Michael Rosenbaum's exceptional portrayal of Lex Luthor in the hit series Smallville, it is unlikely that Rosenbaum will be able to reprise the role. Doing so would raise questions about the DCU's connection to Smallville, detracting from the goal of establishing a fresh future for the franchise. As a result, the future of the character's casting remains uncertain. However, an ideal candidate for the role may have already been revealed through an iconic show from 2023, even though it represents a departure from traditional superhero content in many ways.
Succession Proved Alexander Skarsgård Could Be The Perfect Lex Luthor
Logan Roy, the media mogul in Succession, bears striking similarities to the iconic character Lex Luthor. However, it is Alexander Skarsgård's portrayal of Lukas Matsson that truly exemplifies the ideal casting choice for a potential Lex Luthor. Playing the role of an immensely wealthy tech CEO, Matsson effortlessly shifts between a bullish and playful demeanor to a menacing and threatening presence. He takes pleasure in exploiting people's vulnerabilities for personal gain or to inflict emotional distress, sometimes both.
Skarsgård's depiction of this morally reprehensible industrialist highlights his potential in a way that sets him apart from other contenders for the role of Lex Luthor. Matsson can be seen as a precursor to Luthor, existing within the world of Succession rather than the Superman: Legacy cast. Interviews with Skarsgård further reveal that the character draws inspiration from real-life billionaire figures, making him highly relevant to modern times. This modern iteration of Lex Luthor, reflecting contemporary notions of an amoral entrepreneur, adds a fresh perspective to the character while retaining his essential traits.
Who Is Rumored To Play Lex Luthor In Superman: Legacy
It's worth mentioning that in interviews, Skarsgård hinted that Matsson does not actively desire the company that he relentlessly pursues in Succession. Instead, his fascination with the Roy family empire stems from a combination of delighting in the challenge of facing off against Logan Roy and finding more pleasure in the pursuit of business than in its actual rewards. These aspects of Skarsgård's portrayal would also lend themselves well to the character of Lex Luthor. Lex Luthor is primarily characterized by his boundless ambitions and his intense rivalry with Superman, and these elements are expected to remain unchanged in Superman: Legacy.Although Alexander Skarsgård is a promising contender for the role of Lex Luthor in the DCU, there are other rumored candidates. Among them is Alexander Skarsgård's brother, Bill Skarsgård, who has also been mentioned as a possible choice for Lex Luthor, according to The Hollywood Reporter. This speculation seems justified considering the incredible talent he has displayed in portraying villains in recent projects such as the IT series and John Wick 4. Another actor in the running is Nicholas Hoult, who is reportedly being considered for the role of Superman. Interestingly, there are rumors that Hoult may have initially auditioned for the part of Lex Luthor before trying out for Superman, making him a strong contender for the DCU villain if another actor is ultimately chosen to portray Clark Kent.
However, it is important to note that James Gunn has expressed his commitment to maintaining the privacy of auditions for roles, unless the actors themselves choose to disclose this information. This allows actors to maintain a certain level of confidentiality during this complex stage of the casting process. As a result, it is unlikely that information regarding the casting of Lex Luthor in Superman: Legacy will be made public until a final decision has been reached. Nevertheless, it is worth mentioning that Gunn has praised the actors trying out for roles, stating that they are some of the best he has ever seen or worked with. This sets a positive precedent for the eventual cast members.